At a recent neighborhood association meeting in the Waynedale/Indian Village area I was asked about the future of Ardmore Road. For over 30 years there has been talk about Ardmore becoming a 4-lane thoroughfare from the Fort Wayne International Airport to as far north as Washington Center Road. There's no question that the west side of Fort Wayne needs a better north-south thoroughfare than currently exists. With the possible completion in 2003 of the Ardmore extension south from Lower Huntington Road to Dalman Road, as well as, the Ardmore-Hillegas extension to the north it may not be much longer before it will be possible to drive from the airport to Washington Center Road. However, it will be many years before Ardmore to the south and Hillegas to the north become major thoroughfares. Even the 2015 Regional Transportation Plan doesn't include any provision for widening of that entire stretch of roadway. I estimate that that process will take at least 15-20 years and will progress as funding becomes available.

Many thanks to Fort Wayne police officers, as well as Allen County Sheriff's Officers for volunteering their time to distribute candy to kids throughout the city on Halloween. I rode with officer Vernon Torres—a neighborhood liaison officer—as he did his rounds on Oct. 31st. I'll never forget the looks of appreciation and amazement on the faces of the kids when we dropped candy into their Halloween bags! Thanks again to all of the police officers that contributed their time! I can't think of a better way to build trust between young people and the police.

I've received quite a few calls recently from local residents who have been concerned about noise, vandalism, and trespassing on private property since a new bar/restaurant opened on Bluffton Road in Waynedale. I've worked with local neighborhood leaders, as well as the FWPD in an effort to bring the situation under control. I'm happy to see a successful new retail business in Waynedale. On the other hand, there's no way I'll sit by and not respond when there are fights in the parking lot, car break-ins, drunks walking through nearby front yards, etc..

Anyone who knows me knows that I always encourage every voter to look the ballot over carefully and to assess every candidate individually prior to voting. I believe this applies to all voters whether a political party supporter or an independent. With that thought in mind I couldn't help but give a big pat on the back to the voters in the recent Allen County Assessors election. It appears that thousands of voters who otherwise voted a straight ticket made a point to be very selective and crossed party lines to vote for the candidate who was challenging the incumbent County Assessor. The result—pending the results of a recount—is strong evidence that our democratic process works!

Thanks to Wayne Asphalt Company for making a point to give special thanks to Belle Vista Neighborhood Association President Billie Rykard and her team of neighborhood volunteers in the BV area. Citizens in that neighborhood worked hand in hand with Wayne Asphalt during a street project in the area. Thanks again to Wayne Asphalt!

Finally, a couple of other items. Would Eva who lives on Elzy who called me regarding a "trashy" property please give me another call at the telephone number below? I couldn't understand your telephone number and I missed your address when you called.

Also best wishes to all of the readers of The Waynedale News for a great Thanksgiving holiday! I hope you are able to spend some quality time with family and friends during the holiday season!

Give me a call with any questions, suggestions, or concerns about our great city!